Navigation

AUGUST 3, 2010: Former Rebel Kolo Wins NRM Seat

Kampala — FORMER LRA chief spokesman Brig. Sam Kolo was elected
unopposed as the NRM vice-chairman for the veterans league in Nwoya
district.

Kolo said he was looking forward to becoming the MP for Nwoya county
in 2016.

Kolo is a final-year student in Gulu University, pursuing a bachelors
degree in business administration and management.

He said the NRM delegates had wanted him to become the chairman of
the veterans' league so as to promote unity among LRA returnees and the
community.

"This means that the reintegration of the former LRA rebels and
healing process is taking place well," he remarked.

He said former rebels had been accepted in the community, given
leadership positions and allowed to join political parties of their
choice.

Kolo said he was looking forward to bigger political positions after
completing his degree next year.

Kolo appealed to the rebels still in the bush to come back home and
join the Government. He said there would be no revenge against them for
their crimes.

Kolo surrendered to the UPDF in February 2005 with his two wives and
an armed escort from Latwara hills on the Gulu-Kitgum border. He was
about to be executed by Kony for talking peace when he defected to the
UPDF.

Commenting about Kolo's achievement, the UPDF 4th Division
intelligence officer, Maj. Victor Opera, added that another former LRA
rebel, Lt. Jackson Acama, was elected secretary for publicity for people
with disabilities.

"This is a sign of healing within the community; even those who
tormented them can be given leadership positions," Opera noted.

Richard Todwong, the special presidential adviser who was elected as
the chairman of the entrepreneurship league, said the election of former
rebels indicated the community's forgiving spirit.